louder than bombs ~ the power of local music

LOUDER THAN BOMBS A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE BELFAST MUSIC SCENE AND WHY THERE’S STILL REASON TO BELIEVE.

From the nostalgia inducing swoon of Van
Morrison, to the primal, punk growls of teenage kicks right through
the night, Northern Ireland is a nation of rich musical history and
proud tradition.

Now, having finally moved into the 21st century and cast shadows over our darker periods, never again can we allow nonchalance to leave Belfast ignored and unloved by the rest of the world. (Like the weird cousin at a house party no one can remember inviting,
but feel awkward asking to leave)

Scratch beneath the surface and a
musical mecca awaits. As diverse as the streets of London and
brimming with enthusiasm, here Encore NI have compiled a list of the top
young Northern Irish artists to look out for in 2015 and beyond (in no particular order we might add!). Hold
onto your Guinness…

Hot Cops

Take the spine tingling drawl of Julian
Casablanca’s in his Strokes pomp, the maudlin wit of Morrissey and
the punk sneer of The Sex Pistols and you’re still not quite ready
to comprehend the raw velocity of Belfast’s Hot Cops. Frontman Carl
Eccles awkward demeanor lulls audiences into a curious confusion,
perhaps even looking out of place
centre stage. Then without warning, he bursts into a poetic snarl,
blowing minds in the process.

To put them in context, this is a young band writing metaphor’s about depression, (“And you tied
balloons to the corners of my mouth, to make it seem like I wanted to
be there, but looking back I didn't wanna be, anywhere”) the
flaws of humanity (“We went out and found a dead deer, you said
Well, well, well what do we have here", and then you said that
it was Bambi

And for the rest of the day I cried my eyes
out, for the rest of your life you laughed your head off”) and
naturally, Bill Clinton.

For a band like In An Instant,
comparisons to some of the nation’s biggest exports (Snow
Patrol), comes as a welcome compliment. In reality, this is a
lazy assumption linked to genre and no more. Possessing a distinctly
European vibe, In An Instant take the Springsteen styled folk
approach, (writing each of their songs on acoustic guitars) before
the radical addition of a synth based overhaul, elevating their songs
to sing-along heights. For now, they tread the indie-pop divide
extremely delicately, though this is no bad thing. With a huge fan
base and Radio 1 airplay under their belts, these teenagers have a
lot to be hopeful about.

For years Belfast has searched for our own
piece of the 90’s, a band that really captured the feel good
optimism of that decade and all it represented. We had Ash, though
beneath Tim Wheelers long winded lyrics we knew we couldn't compete
with what was happening across the water. Oh how very different it
could have been with Echo Raptors…an indie explosion of The Stone
Roses swagger, Oasis’ anthems and the Verve’s sensitivity. With a
back catalogue of tunes now well-known across the UK (particularly up
North) and a lyric book so filled with self determination it could
have been stolen from Noel Gallagher himself, this is a band to make
you believe in rock and roll again.

Download: The Plastic People, She’s So Free &
the massiveChange My Way

For fans of: Oasis, The Verve, The Stone Roses

A Northern Light

Pioneered by local legends A Plastic Rose
amongst others, A Northern Light have been the rebellious upstarts of
the Northern Irish scene for a few years now. Their alt rock
roots have in recent years infused further towards a mix of electronica, with orchestral sections, their fan base has only expanded, rather
than diminished under this transition. This interesting mix
concluded with the huge single ‘Kill It’, beloved by BBC
Introducing. Currently working on their debut album, this Northern
Light is shining brighter than ever.

In recent years they’ve been described as
Northern Irelands answer to The Libertines and it’s not difficult
to see why. Frontman Matty Legge’s distinctive vocal and natural
stage presence (where somehow he looks effortless and original, in
a role so easily overdone) is an undoubted strongpoint, however
without the tunes to back it up, they would not have found their
success. Taking mod and indie influences and adding a ska-like
skiffle beat has proved a wise development and made them one of the
country’s most exciting talents. To remain relevant in a genre like
this is an achievement in itself.

Download: Never Mind, The Late Twos, Sierra
Leone

For fans of: The Libertines, The Kooks

Pretty Child Backfire

Masters
of the violin overdub, the band combine uplifting lyrics of love and
adventure with an indie sound quite unlike anything currently out
there. Formed as bored teenagers, this band have grown massive in their home city and even been
championed by Gary Lightbody, who personally mentored their frontman
in the craft of songwriting after watching them play a pub gig.
Despite this, Pretty Child sound nothing like Snow Patrol, preferring
acoustic riffs to hollering cries.

Download: I Wish I Knew You Better, If We Can
Last The Summer

For Fans of: General Fiasco, HavanaHouseParty

His New Atlas

Known throughout Belfast as the most emotional
person to have ever lived, 18 year old Eoghan O’Hagan has done
incredibly well over the last year. Through the release of two well
received EP’s and a succession of Irish tours, His New Atlas has
carved a reputation out of nothing, breaking out of his small village
surroundings through big hitting chorus’ and soaring vocals. One of
the most dynamic live performers in the country, the only way is up
for His New Atlas. (Though be warned, crying on stage is to be
expected)

Settle down kids, we’ve saved possibly the
best til last. Singer-songwriter Aaron Shanley is in possession
of one of the most unique voices of the last 20 years, brimming with
delicacy and emotion. A breath taking lyricist, Shanley’s tales of
heartache, despair and aliens destroying the Earth have the stunning
ability to leave you in a trippy haze, or with tears in your eyes.
Having written songs for artists as far afield as Nashville, USA and
plied his trade here in London, Aaron Shanley remains one of the most
captivating performers in Northern Ireland and has been recognised as
such. You really must hear him to fully appreciate his talents.

Download: Everything! – Specifically;
Sometimes People Just Fall Out Of Love, I Really, Really Wish You
Were Here, Amy, Here Without You

For Fans of: Damien Rice, Ryan Adams, Badly
Drawn Boy

Taylor Johnson

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About Us

Encore NI is a non profitable music website/media organisation set up to review gigs, albums and singles, owned by Taylor Johnson & based in Belfast's Oh Yeah Centre. We proudly run & operate 'Modern Life Is Rubbish', a gig night with a difference.

Taylor has had work printed in various local and national newspapers, as well as various music websites and publications. To date he has worked and broadcast with the NME, BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 4, Citybeat, Blast 106, BBC Radio Ulster & BBC Radio Foyle. He now co-runs 'Spectrum Festival', a yearly music festival held in The Mandela Hall and has just finished hosting 'Soundscape', a television series on Irish TV (Sky Channel 191) about local music.